English III AP Literature and Composition Mr. Olson
Grading/Class Policies
· Grading
Students are expected to do high quality work, on time, and completed according to instructions.
Assigned points are based on length and complexity and totaled at mid-quarter, end of quarter, and end of semester, with a letter grade assigned and communicated to families at those times. Please note: Not all assignments will be individually scored, and there will be no “extra credit” opportunities.
Your grades will be based on the total points you earn each quarter. The grade scale is as follows:
At or greater than 92% of total points = A
85% = B
72% = C
65% = D
Less than 64% = F
· Late Work
All work must be turned in on time to receive full credit.
o Formal papers will not be accepted unless submitted on time.
o Other late assignments will receive one-half credit for up to one week—five school days; after that time elapses, the work will not be accepted.
· Make-up Work
Students are expected to make up work missed when absent; it is the STUDENT’S responsibility to check with either classmates or the instructor to get assignments.
Generally, for unplanned absences, you will be given two make-up days for each day that you are absent. This does NOT apply to assignments for which you are given ample lead-time or to absences for school-related co-curricular events, field trips, rehearsals, etc. In these cases, students must have assignments ready and be prepared for class upon their return. Make arrangements prior to foreseeable absences.
· Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for success in this course. The class attendance policy is identical to the attendance policy for CHS (which is in your student handbook), except for the following: three tardies (per quarter) and/or any unexcused absences (skipping) will immediately result in an assigned session of detention.
· Cheating
Don’t do it. It is a serious infraction that will certainly result in no credit (as in a zero) for the assignment and that may
result in failure of the course. Cheating might involve:
o plagiarism—taking the ideas, concepts, facts, and/or words of another and using them as one’s own.
o “working together” (unless directed to do so) which is often a euphemism for copying (cheating).
o or numerous other methods—everything from employing “wandering eyes” to accessing information (electronically or otherwise) that is forbidden in a test/quiz/writing situation. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you feel the sting of shame, you’re cheating.
To contact me outside of class, try my office (G247) or e-mail me at .
English III AP Literature and Composition Mr. Olson
Course Syllabus
Grade Determination:
Essays: 50%
· In-class, timed essays
· Formal essays
Formative Assessments: 50%
· Includes quizzes, in-class work, and homework, i.e. journals, projects, research, group endeavors, etc.
· Academic Disposition
o Heavily based upon participation, contributions to class discussions and activities.
o Includes attitude, engagement, leadership, work ethic, intellectual curiosity, investment in classroom community, timeliness, etc., as discussed in class.
Note: This is a rough approximation that may be adjusted as we progress.
Titles by Quarter:
Quarter 1:
· A Prayer for Owen Meany
· Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus
· Oedipus
Quarter 2:
· Hamlet
· 1984 (with excerpt from Nothing to Envy)
· The Handmaid’s Tale
Quarter 3:
· “A Modest Proposal”
· A Doll’s House
· Pride and Prejudice
· Invisible Man
Quarter 4:
· Perrine’s Sound and Sense
· One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, The Awakening, or another title, as time allows
· (Post-test) Literature Circles
Note: Content may be altered as the year unfolds.